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4. The hot-air bath is excellent for colds, skin
diseases, and the gout.

THE SPONGE BATH.

1. Have a large basin of water of the temperature
of 85 or 95 degrees. As soon as the patient rises
rub the body over with a soft, dry towel until it
becomes warm.

2. Now sponge the body with water and a little
soap, at the same time keeping the body well covered,
except such portions as are necessarily exposed.
Then dry the skin carefully with a soft, warm towel.
Rub the skin well for two or three minutes, until
every part becomes red and perfectly dry.

3. Sulphur, lime or salt, and sometimes mustard,
may be used in any of the sponge baths, according
to the disease.

THE FOOT BATH.

1. The foot bath, in coughs, colds, asthma, headaches
and fevers, is excellent. One or two tablespoonfuls
of ground mustard added to a gallon of hot water,
is very beneficial.

2. Heat the water as hot as the patient can endure
it, and gradually increase the temperature by pouring
in additional quantities of hot water during the bath.

THE SITZ BATH.

A tub is arranged so that the patient can sit down
in it while bathing. Fill the tub about one-half
full of water. This is an excellent remedy for
piles, constipation, headache, gravel, and for acute
and inflammatory affections generally.

THE ACID BATH.

Place a little vinegar in water, and heat to the usual
temperature. This is an excellent remedy for
the disorders of the liver.

A SURE CURE FOR PRICKLY HEAT.

1. Prickly heat is caused by hot weather, by
excess of flesh, by rough flannels, by sudden changes
of temperature, or by over-fatigue.

2. TREATMENT—­Bathe two or three times
a day with warm water, in which a moderate quantity
of bran and common soda has been stirred. After
wiping the skin dry, dust the affected parts with common
cornstarch.